Other Organisations

The Lake District National Park Authority strongly objects to the Onshore route, and supports the Offshore route.
They “question the conclusions which National Grid have arrived at concerning (the Onshore) option”.
Their response to the recent National Grid consultation (NWCC) includes:

“3.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. Planning permission should be refused for major developments in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest.”

They also strongly object to the Onshore route, and support the Offshore route.
From the FLD response to the NG consultation:

“1.1.2 Friends of the Lake District strongly objects to the Onshore South with Tunnel and the Onshore South routes because of:

The significant negative impact on the internationally and nationally important landscape and biodiversity of the Lake District National Park and south Cumbria;

The significantly increased negative impact of larger pylons on the landscape and setting of the National Park, both within and outside the boundary, contrary to the Holford Rules;

The unresolved issue of routing at the Duddon Estuary and Ravenglass area where there is a conflict between internationally important landscape and biodiversity interests; and

Construction costs being put ahead of landscape impacts on the National Park as no adequate mitigation measures are proposed. If undergrounding was included in the costs, it would add considerable additional expense and would affect route selection.

1.1.3 These concerns can be addressed through one ‘win-win’ solution: Friends of the Lake District supports selection of the Offshore South route option. This will both minimise damage to the landscapes and environment of the Lake District National Park, wider southern Cumbria AND secure future electricity supply from the new power station.”

FLD Policy Officer, Dan Hunt, commented: “Power Without Pylons have worked hard on researching into the options for connecting Moorside to the grid. They have a thorough grasp of the issues and have helped inform our organisation. Friends of the Lake District joins PWP in campaigning for the offshore route as the least damaging for the landscape and least disruptive for local communities. We fully support the efforts the group is making to alert the public to the damaging effects huge pylons would have on our wonderful landscapes.”

Duddon Estuary, from close to Kirkby-in-Furness. The existing pylons are an eyesore - they would be replaced by much bigger ones.